Morocco to Overhaul Highway Code for First Time in 15 Years

Fifteen years later, the Highway Code will change in Morocco. The Ministry of Transport has submitted to the General Secretariat of the Government the preliminary draft law amending and supplementing Law No. 52-05 relating to the Highway Code, promulgated on February 11, 2010. According to the department of Abdessamad Kayouh, this text, which is currently subject to public comments, aims to fill the "shortcomings" of the current Highway Code. The text includes some changes.

According to the preliminary draft, it will be possible for holders of category B licenses to drive vehicles that require an A license, after having undergone specialized training in a driving school. The holder of an AM license (for mopeds and light quadricycles up to 50 cc) is subject to a two-year probationary period. The draft law proposes to replace the withdrawal of the driving license with an administrative fine for offenses related to the tachograph in the transport of goods or persons. The amount of these fines may range from 1,500 to 200,000 dirhams. It is planned to double these fines in case of recidivism within one year.

The non-wearing of a protective helmet is considered an offense that requires the confiscation of the vehicle. The text provides for the cancellation of administrative impoundment after knowledge of the content of the report of the offense. It also expands the cases of administrative impoundment to offenses committed by professionals in the transport of goods or persons. As for the transport of goods or the public transport of persons without authorization, a fine of 10,000 dirhams is planned. This will double in case of recidivism.

The text also provides for considering offenses related to the tachograph as offenses. Another change: the text expands the cases of administrative impoundment to offenses committed by professionals in the transport of goods or persons.